The Heiress by Evelyn Anthony Page A

married?’
    â€˜Go back to Versailles as quickly as possible. She can stay here. I shan’t interfere with her; she can amuse herself as she pleases. It’ll be an admirable arrangement. She won’t suffer anything from me if she’s sensible.’
    For a moment Jeanne hesitated. As children they had quarrelled bitterly; he had bullied her and jeered at her and many times she had flown at him with her fists and teeth. She was not afraid of him and he knew it. She could afford to lower her pride for the sake of her childhood friend.
    â€˜I’ve never asked anything of you in my life,’ she said at last. ‘Perhaps I should have done. If we hadn’t been so strong-willed we might have understood each other better. Charles, will you promise me something?’
    â€˜Certainly. I never keep my promises.’
    â€˜Will you be kind to Anne? She’s good and gentle and she really loves you. I beg of you not to hurt her. It isn’t much to ask.’
    â€˜You really are fond of her, aren’t you,’ he said. ‘It must cost you a great deal to say “I beg” to me. I shall promise you nothing, my dear Jeanne. I told you, she can go to the devil for all I care. But if you want to protect her then give her good advice. Tell her to keep out of my way. Then I assure you she’ll be safe enough.’
    â€˜Very well.’ Jeanne’s eyes were very narrow. ‘I’ve spoken for Anne, now I’ll speak for myself. If you harm her I swear before God I’ll find a way to have you killed. And you know I mean that.’
    â€˜We’re not in the Highlands now,’ he reminded her. ‘You might find it more difficult to murder me here than you would in Scotland. You should inherit the estates, my dear Jeanne. You’re a Fraser to your fingers’ ends. What a pity you have Mother’s red hair without her looks! Go away now, before I lose my temper and throw you out into the passage. And don’t forget to kiss me when we meet in public.’
    Half an hour later Charles went down to meet his fiancée and their guests. The lackey who had admitted his sister was still on duty outside the door. He paused for a moment, adjusting the lace handkerchief which hung from his sleeve, and with the same movement brought his right hand up and struck the servant across the face.
    â€˜Next time,’ he said, without even looking at him, ‘do what you’re told.’
    The dinner was over, and even Charles had to admit that it was magnificent. There were a hundred guests seated in the enormous dining-room at two long parallel tables, and fifteen courses were served to them. Quail covered with light pastry, salmon and river-trout, pigeons cooked in herbs and wine, venison and hare and duckling, fruits swimming in brandy, sucking-pig stuffed with chestnuts and apples, sweetmeats and desserts which would have done credit to the King’s table at Versailles. The banquet lasted for five hours, and at the end of it Anne and Charles led their guests into the Marble Salon for Madame Louet’s recital.
    â€˜I am constantly surprised at how rich you are,’ he whispered to her. ‘Such a pity to waste all that magnificence on these provincial bumpkins. How long is this woman going to play?’
    â€˜Until I give the signal. Does music bore you?’
    They were sitting together at the head of the salon in two gilt chairs. He had to admit that she was not only beautiful—the dazzling pink dress would have excited the acquisitive Dubarry’s admiration—but she also knew how to entertain. When he spoke to her she blushed; he glanced across at his sister and smiled. ‘When I’m bored, my dear Anne, I leave. Give this an hour and no more.’
    â€˜As you wish.’ She sat very still, listening to the recital; one or two of the male guests were asleep.
    Charles leant towards her.
    â€˜The hour is up,’ he said.